Payton has Saints in right place this season
by Vegas Vic

Most people thought that Reggie Bush would be the dominant story in New Orleans, and while he has had an impact, first-year head coach Sean Payton, Drew Brees and the deafening Superdome crowd will really define this season. Taking over a team that went 3-13 last year and just plain quit on Jim Haslett (losing five in a row and 11 of the last 12), Payton has led the Saints to a stunning 5-1 record, both straight up and against the spread. Deuce McAllister is back, healthy and on pace for another 1,000-yard rushing effort. Brees is hitting 66.7 percent of his passes, and the Saints have yet to lose at home. Apparently, Baltimore will get Steve McNair back, and that's great news for New Orleans backers. McNair is completing only 56.2 percent of his throws, and has more interceptions (seven) than touchdowns (five).

Rams (+9) over CHARGERS

Let's see: Steve Foley shot three times by an off-duty police officer outside his house; Shawne Merriman suspended (but appealing) four games for violating the NFL's substance-abuse policy; Terrence Kiel arrested on five felony drug counts... And it's not even November. Now don't get the impression that we're anti-San Diego, we're not. Just this week. The Chargers gave up 30 points to Kansas City on Sunday and, in the process, lost LB Shaun Phillips, who leads the team with six sacks. That should fit perfectly into the St. Louis game plan. The Rams, under another first-year head coach Scott Linehan have averaged 31.3 points per game the last 3 weeks and covered five of six. Not looking for the outright upset, so don't go and take the money line, but St. Loo certainly has enough firepower to cover this generous 9 point spread.

Falcons (+4) over BENGALS

Carson Palmer still does not look as if he's all the way back from the devastating knee injury that knocked him out of the playoffs. Good news for Atlanta. Better news for Atlanta? The Falcons lead the NFL in rushing yards (222 per game, almost 70 yards more than anyone else), while the Bengals are 25th in rush defense. And after the air show Michael Vick put on against Pittsburgh Sunday, an upset here is totally realistic.

Buccaneers (+9) over GIANTS

Time to take a breath. After two tough division games sandwiching a great road win at Atlanta, the Giants are due for a letdown. New York will be without All-Pro defensive end Osi Umenyiora (hip flexor) and linebacker LaVar Arrington, who was lost for the season with a torn Achilles'. That's gonna be a huge problem against this Tampa Bay team, which comes in on a sweet 4-0 spread run.

Jets (+2) over BROWNS

Maybe we're missing something, but what has Cleveland done to merit the role of favorite? Wow the league with that superb 1-5 record? Average an NFL-worst 245 yards per game on offense? Own a rush defense that's 29th in the league? Look in any direction you want and you'll find nothing positive. Unless you look toward the Jets, who have covered four of their last five.

EAGLES (-7) over Jaguars

We don't know who will quarterback the Jaguars (Byron Leftwich or David Garrard), but we do know which group of Jags we'll see. The wounded road warriors who are 0-3 away from home, straight up, and, against the spread.

CHIEFS (-6) over Seahawks

Playing against Seattle the last 3 weeks has been very profitable. The Seahawks are 0-3 against the spread and now will try to fly without their superb QB and leader, Matt Hasselbeck (knee). Look for a very rough landing.

We also like:

Texans (+3) over TITANS

BEARS (-15) over 49ers

Cardinals (+4) over PACKERS

Steelers (-9) over RAIDERS

BRONCOS (-2) over Colts

PANTHERS (-5) over Cowboys

VIKINGS (+2) over Patriots

Read more at the Philly

March
•Reggie Bush Vows to Focus on Football

February
•Bush teams with Shaq to host All-Star charity event
•Dog thinks 2 $900 Super Bowl tickets tasty treat
•Boonton man scores big with Super Bowl tickets
•Dog thinks 2 $900 Super Bowl tickets tasty treat

Super Bowl Weekend
•OK!'s Guide to the Super Bowl Parties
•"Hannah" primed to claim Super Bowl weekend
•Paris Hilton, Ludacris party alongside 50 Cent at pre-game Super Bowl concert

January
•Reggie Bush Engaged to Kim Kardashian?

December
•Eagles vs. Saints Preview 12/23/07
•Bush Hoping to Play Against Eagles 12/18/07
•Cardinals 24, Saints 31
•Bush Out For the Year 12/12/07
•Falcons 14, Saints 34 12/10/07
•Falcons vs. Saints Preview 12/10/07
•Buccaneers 27, Saints 23 12/02/07
•Buccaneers vs. Saints Preview 12/02/07


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